How to write a killer resume

You never know when you’ll need to have your resume handy. From job applications to career building workings, even to scholarship applications – your resume is something that you always need to have ready to go.

It may seem daunting to build a resume from scratch or to make sure that it’s going to make the perfect first impression on whoever you hand it to, but there are some really simple tips to make sure that your resume will be the best of the bunch.

Keep it updated

Not only can you add new jobs but you should always be adding in new responsibilities at your job, volunteering experience, scholarships and awards, courses and updated references.

By jumping into your resume once or twice a month to add in little details, you’re saving yourself from the stress of needing a resume on short notice, only to realise you haven’t updated it since high school.

You can also take advantage of friends, family and Charles Sturt careers advisors looking at your resume and reminding you of any important details or experience that you should be including.

Utilise colour

When employers are looking at hiring a new employee they usually have to look at hundreds of resumes at a time, often hundreds of almost identical looking resumes.

You can imagine how monotonous is would be to read page after page of black and white script, so break the cycle and utilise colour to make your resume stand out.

There are some great resume templates available that can help you choose a theme and colour scheme that suits your personality and the field you’re interested in.

You can also add in little splashes of colour in subheadings, dot points or job titles to visually separate the sections of your resume.

Have different copies

Unless you’re one of those very fortunate people who know exactly what job they’re looking for, chances are you’re going to be submitting resumes for quite a few jobs in different sectors.

Each job will want different skills and experience from you, and you want your resume to reflect that.

You should tailor past jobs, interests, skills and achievements in your resume specifically for the job you’re applying for.

After all, the law firm you’re applying to probably doesn’t want to know about the babysitting job you had when you were 15, just like the barista position you’re applying for won’t take into account your detailed knowledge of the Australian curriculum.

You might find it beneficial to have one resume for casual part-time jobs that you’re applying for while you’re studying, and another more in-depth resume that you’re building and submitting for graduate level positions

It will definitely make your life easier in the long run to save the last minute editing and instead keep a few different versions of your resume saved at all times.

Author:Sarah Poulsen

I am a Masters of Teaching student who has a passion for literature in all forms. When I’m not balancing full time work plus a side hustle, you’ll find my pirouetting through a ballet class or roller-skating in the park.
View all posts by Sarah Poulsen